Abu dhabi: The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), alongside Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), Marubeni Corporation, Mubadala Investment Company, and Hokuriku Electric Power Company, has announced the start of full commercial operations at the Fujairah F3 Independent Power Producer (IPP) project.
According to Emirates News Agency, the facility, located in the Qidfa area of Fujairah, is a 2.4-gigawatt (GW) gas-fired power plant, noted for being among the largest and most efficient in the UAE. It is capable of providing electricity to approximately 380,000 homes. The plant's role is crucial in the UAE's energy transition, as it supports the integration of renewable energy into the power grid.
The Fujairah F3 plant utilizes advanced JAC-class gas turbine technology from Mitsubishi Power, integrated into a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) configuration. This technology ensures high thermal efficiency, rapid response capability, and a low emissions profile, aligning with the UAE's commitment to cleaner energy production.
Under the IPP model, TAQA holds a 40 percent stake in the project, Marubeni Corporation 20.4 percent, Mubadala 20 percent, and Hokuriku Electric Power 19.6 percent. EWEC has a long-term Power Purchase Agreement as the sole procurer of electricity from the project.
Andreas Collor, Chief Operations Officer of TAQA's Generation business, emphasized the project's significance in fulfilling growing power demands and its role in integrating more renewables into the grid. Mohamed Almarzooqi of EWEC highlighted the plant's capacity to support utility-scale renewable energy integration and grid reliability during peak demands.
Dr. Alyazia Ali Al Kuwaiti from Mubadala underscored the project's impact on national energy security and local community upliftment. Naoki Ito of Marubeni Corporation praised the international collaboration and its contribution to the region's energy needs. Masayoshi Hayashi of Hokuriku Electric Power Company reiterated the company's commitment to delivering efficient, low-emission electricity in the UAE.
Les Graham of Fujairah Power Company F3 LLC noted the plant's flexibility in accommodating the growth of intermittent renewable energy, supporting a sustainable energy grid. Overall, Fujairah F3 is integral to EWEC's strategy to increase renewable and clean energy's share in the electricity mix, exemplifying the UAE's dedication to sustainable development through innovative technologies.